ACP/PRF Treatment

Autologous Conditioned Plasma treatment is an incredible way to restore youthful skin by using autologous blood products. Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) is a concentration of autologous platelets in a small volume of plasma that is derived from a sample of the patient’s own blood. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is also derived from a small amount of blood, but is untreated to allow more growth factors to have a regenerative effect over a longer period of time. Both ACP and PRF have been shown to be effective in the treatment of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Plus, this incredible new treatment can even stimulate hair growth, improving shine, vitality, and pliability. ^[1]

Want to learn more about this groundbreaking scientific approach to turning back the clock on your skin and hair? Schedule a consultation with Aesthetic Laser Center‘s medical director, Dr. Quita Lopez, a top-ranked practitioner who has been improving skin and providing patients with beautiful results for years. She offers innovative procedures and techniques that are scientifically proven to be effective, and keep her Lake Oswego, OR patients glowing. Want your own glowing results? ACP and PRF skin treatment can reduce inflammation, improve healing and help improve the quality of your skin with no downtime. Call (503) 353-0888 today or schedule your appointment online to receive a call. You won’t believe your new skin!

Learn more about our practice and the services we offer to keep you looking your best by following our blog.

About ACP Treatment for the Face

Autologous Conditioned Plasma is derived from the components naturally found within the blood. During ACP treatment, a small sample of your blood is taken. It is then processed to isolate the platelets and other regenerative factors naturally present in our blood. It is then applied to your skin to help improve the overall quality. It’s typically applied after a microneedling session in order to allow the ACP to penetrate deep into the skin, where it can do the most good. ACP can also be injected into targeted areas to promote healing and cell growth. Today, athletes use ACP to accelerate the healing of injuries, ^[2] and those suffering from hair loss use ACP treatments on their scalp for better follicular health and hair growth.

At Aesthetic Laser Center, we offer ACP facials that are sometimes referred to as Vampire treatments. Microneedling creates minuscule channels in the skin using tiny needles. This creates a controlled injury which the body responds to by producing new, healthy stores of collagen, elastin, and other important cells. 

Collagen and elastin are building blocks of the skin and essential parts of its structure and elasticity. ^[3] And while microneedling is a valuable and effective procedure on its own, the addition of ACP accelerates the body’s production of collagen and elastin for more comprehensive improvements. ACP acts as an antioxidant while also hydrating your skin for a healthy glow. Overall, this treatment will revitalize and help your skin appear refreshed!

Growth Factors

ACP and PRF are both rich in platelets, which are a natural source of growth factors, and how our body repairs itself after an injury. Platelets release growth factors at the site of an injury to start the regenerative process, and a chain reaction of the production of other important cells for healthy, revitalized tissue. One of these growth factors allows for the proliferation of fibroblasts – the crucial cells that produce collagen and elastin. ^[4]

About PRF

Platelet-Rich Fibrin is also isolated from a blood sample. However, there is an important difference between ACP and PRF. As ACP is being prepared, an anti-coagulant and thrombin are added. The anticoagulant causes the ACP to form a gel, while the addition of thrombin causes platelets to immediately release the growth factors.

PRF contains no additives, and as a result, behaves slightly differently once introduced into the treatment area. Because the sample has been allowed to coagulate, the fibrin acts as a kind of network that holds the platelets in place. And, because the thrombin occurs naturally rather than as an additive, the platelets are able to secrete a wider variety of growth factors over a longer period of time. PRF can be used with a microneedling facial or used in hair restoration treatments as an injectable. It can also be combined with popular hyaluronic acid fillers. PRF allows for tissue regeneration, which makes it an effective injectable  “filler” for those wanting to fill in lines and wrinkles, tear troughs, treat acne scars, or boost the volume of their lips.^[5]

What are the Benefits of PRP/PRF Facials?

ACP and PRF are both derived from the patient’s own blood which means there is very little risk of allergic reaction or infection. Harnessing the power of the growth factors present in ACP and PRF allows for:

Platelet-based treatments can revitalize your skin, tighten it and help you feel great going makeup free! If you are interested in scheduling a consultation, please call us at (503) 353-0888 so we can assist you!

Personal Consultation

In your private meeting with Dr. Lopez, you will have the opportunity to discuss your skin concerns and share what most interests you about ACP and PRF treatments. Dr. Lopez will listen attentively and walk you through the procedure. She will discuss potential risks and the expected outcome for your skin. Your health history, skin-care routine, allergies, and current medications will be discussed so that Dr. Lopez can determine whether this treatment is ideal for you.

We encourage our patients to ask lots of questions about their upcoming treatment, such as:

These questions will help guide you through the consultation and should help to stimulate some of your questions so you leave feeling empowered by the knowledge of this advanced treatment. But before you leave, Dr. Lopez will provide you with information on how to best prepare for the procedure and recovery process. Our goal is complete patient transparency so you leave feeling excited and confident about your upcoming treatment!

Preparation

Preparing for ACP treatment will likely include: 

Additionally, you should avoid taking blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, vitamin E, and omega-3 supplements. These can lead to bruising after the micro-needling treatment or injections.

If you have any other questions that are not addressed in your private meeting with Dr. Lopez, please call our office at (503) 353-0888 so a staff member may assist you.

Procedure

Once the micro-needling process is complete, the ACP or PRF will be applied your face to rest for a few minutes. It will penetrate deep into your skin to begin the rejuvenation process. Then, we will cleanse your face, and you can return to your regular day. If you’ve opted for an injectable PRF treatment, the PRF will be applied to the treatment area in small, even amounts.

Recovery After ACP Treatment

Your skin will need a couple of days to heal. After your treatment, your skin may be discolored and sensitive; this will last for about 24 hours. Dr. Lopez recommends that you sleep with your head elevated on two pillows and apply a cool compress to your skin for the first day post-treatment. Once healing begins, your skin will appear refreshed and taut. 

It is essential you do not take antihistamines as they may counteract the healing properties of the ACP. You will want to avoid sunlight for a week and not apply any products to your face for the first 24 hours. Apply strong sunscreen to your face after the initial healing period and limit your interactions with direct sunlight.

ACP/PRF Skin Rejuvenation Results

Your skin will reveal the gorgeous results of treatment after a few days. After a week, your skin will reach a peak glow! New cells will continue to form, and your collagen levels will increase for over a week. During this time, you will see a decrease in wrinkles, scarring, and other skin imperfections.

Most patients need multiple appointments to achieve their desired appearance. Dr. Lopez will discuss the number of treatments needed to reach your best skin.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Lip Fillers are an excellent procedure to combine with your ACP treatment; this combination will enhance your results and improve your facial proportions. Lip Filler formulas are created to add volume and augment the lips. Aesthetic Laser Center offers Restylane filler to be used on the lips.

Restylane Wrinkle Reduction

Restylane is another hyaluronic acid-based filler. Restylane may improve volume while preserving the natural boundary of your lip line. These results also last a few months and must be kept up. For beautifully sculpted lips, Restylane creates incredible results!

Restylane are each applied with a syringe using a thin needle. A topical anesthetic is applied to your lips to make them numb, which will help keep you comfortable throughout the application process. Dr. Lopez will then strategically use the injectables to help improve the volume and shape of your lips.

What is the Cost of ACP/PRF Treatment in Oregon?

The cost of this treatment will depend on the area being treated and the frequency of appointments. At Aesthetic Laser Center, we have a hands-on approach that allows us to interact with you to truly understand how we can achieve your best results. A ACP or PRF treatment will rejuvenate your skin and help improve your skin quality. If you are interested in transforming your face, schedule a consultation with us at (503) 353-0888. We look forward to meeting you face to face.

Further reading Dr. Quita Lopez

References

1. Elghblawi E. Platelet-rich plasma, the ultimate secret for youthful skin elixir and hair growth triggering. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2017;17(3):423-430. doi:10.1111/jocd.12404
2. Miller TL, Kaeding CC, Rodeo SA. Emerging Options for Biologic Enhancement of Stress Fracture Healing in Athletes. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2020;28(1):1-9. doi:10.5435/jaaos-d-19-00112
3. Leslie Baumann, MD, Eric F Bernstein, MD, MSE, Anthony S Weiss, PhD, Damien Bates, MD, PhD, MBA, Shannon Humphrey, MD, Michael Silberberg, MD, MBA, Robert Daniels, PhD, Clinical Relevance of Elastin in the Structure and Function of Skin, Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2021, ojab019, https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojab019
4. Bennett NT, Schultz GS. Growth factors and wound healing: Part II. Role in normal and chronic wound healing. The American Journal of Surgery. 1993;166(1):74-81. doi:10.1016/s0002-9610(05)80589-6
5. Mijiritsky E, Assaf HD, Peleg O, Shacham M, Cerroni L, Mangani L. Use of PRP, PRF and CGF in Periodontal Regeneration and Facial Rejuvenation—A Narrative Review. Biology. 2021;10(4):317. doi:10.3390/biology10040317